Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,Ref-Mahopac) is pleased to announce the passage of legislation (A.3098B) which designates Junior Lake and Sparkle Lake in the Town of Yorktown as inland waterways. By designating Junior Lake and Sparkle Lake as inland waterways, the local government and organizations along their banks are now eligible for New York State Department of State and Environmental Protection Fund waterfront revitalization grants. Local communities will be able to pursue improved water quality, preservation of open space and wildlife habitats, promotion of tourism and economic development opportunities, as well as combating threats to the waterways, including pollution, storm water run-off and invasive species.
“I’m pleased to report that by working with colleagues from across the aisle, we were able to effectively pass this legislation for the people of Yorktown with strong bipartisan support,” said Byrne. “These lakes are a source of drinking water for the community, and provide various recreational benefits to Yorktown residents. People visit and move to our area because of our green spaces and waterways. It’s crucial that we work together to protect them and revitalize them where possible.”
Assemblyman Byrne has established a strong record of passing legislation to designate local waterbodies in his district as inland waterways. During the 2017-18 Legislative Session, Byrne had three local bills chaptered into law which designated inland waterways in the 94th Assembly District. This included Assembly Bill A9655, which designated two waterbodies, Oceola Lake and Lake Mohegan, as inland waterways in the Town of Yorktown.
The legislation passed the Senate earlier this year with the support of Sen. Pete Harckham, and will be sent to Gov. Cuomo for his consideration.
Learn more about the state’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) and the potential benefits it provides at the New York State Department of State’s Division of Planning & Development website HERE